How politically active are you?

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

I got to thinking about all the people dicking around on the internet at any given time of the day (HEY! You're doing important stuff, dammit, not dicking around!) and I thought it'd be cool to compile a list in one thread of how politically active we are, what we do to help the Dems, Kerry, progressive causes, etc.

For instance, were you a delegate on the state or local level? Are you a voter registrar? Precinct judge? Election judge? Volunteer for citizen watchdog groups (voting), attend meetups, blockwalk, phonebank, sending money counts!, getting out the word as much as possible by wearing shirts, buttons, bumper stickers on cars, etc. Do you go to protests, sign petitions, call your representatives, etc? Count everything.

[bahrbearian]

1. I did go to the Cacaus Meeting ,1 protest, and 2 meetups.

[juslikagrzly]

2. Embarrassed

to admit, but never before have I been "activated". Always paid scant attention to politics, feeling it was all cyclical and cynical. The good news is, seeing F9/11 knocked a big hunk of apathy-sleepies out of my eyes. I came home from that movie and started googling democratic sites, found DU, and here we are. We've sent money to JFK (don't you love typing those initials), I've volunteered with my local dem party, sent letters and emails, etc. It's a process, but one I am heartily participating in.

[camby]

3. Small stuff mostly

bumper stickers; sign in window; letters to elected officials, editorialists, editors; siphon good stuff off internet and e-mail to republican friends; donate money to candidates & causes.

[wyldwolf]

6. all important, though!

[scarletwoman]

4. How about putting your questions in poll form?

I'd be interested in the responses for sure.

My stats: I am serving my 2nd term as the Affirmative Action Officer in my county Democratic (actually the DFL party {Democratic-Farmer-Labor}, since I live in Minnesota) party unit. In 2002 I was an alternate to my Congressional District and State conventions. This year I was a full delegate.

I am also a delegate to our State Central Committee Platform Commission, and am a member of a steering group working to create an officially DFL-sanctioned Progressive Caucus.

I've applied to be an election judge (both in 2002 and this year), but I'm up against some entrenched long-time election judges in my township, so it may not come to anything. (I didn't get called in 2002.)

I donate money to local campaigns, and to various national progressive causes when I can. I march with local candidates and party units in the small town parades in my area, and volunteer time at the DFL booth at the county fair.

There's more, but I've got to get offline or I'll be late for my monthly county DFL meeting tonight... :D

sw

[wyldwolf]

5. working my way up

Got involved with a local democratic group. Became their media consultant. Helped them grow to become one of the most influential groups in the the metro-Atlanta area (the candidate and office holders always return our calls and come to meetings when asked) and now I hold a Post Seat for the state party.

I'm a voter registrar, and certified citizen deputy (I can legally remove candidate road signs :) ), and have been a precinct manager for a polling place.

Plan on running for a city council seat next year.

[in_cog_ni_to]

7. Well,

I was very active during the Primaries. When I supported Dean, I went to Meetups and the Democratic Convention/Rally in Wisconsin. Then I switched my support to Wesley Kanne Clark. I made 100's of phone calls to key states. Mailed 1000 letters to New Hampshire, Michigan and Tennessee. My son and I went to Tennessee for 5 days and worked on Clark's Nashville campaign. Drove voters to the polls. Stood on the street corner for 2 hours with Wes Clark signs. Went to the Tennessee Democratic Convention and 2 rallies while there. We also attended a fundraiser in Chicago for Wes Clark and we maxed out on donating to the Clark campaign. We both LOVED the guy. (hubby and I...my son did too, but can't vote)

Now, I'm TRYING very, very hard to get excited about Kerry. I have 4 stickers on my car. 1."Kerry For President 2004"....2 small oval Kerry 2004 stickers on my side windows and a "DUMP BUSH" in the back and I just ordered some more stickers..."Bush Lied Remember in November" and 6 Kerry T-shirts for myself and my son. I do plan on calling my local Democratic Committee, but I need to feel some passion for Kerry first. I also need to read his positions on the issues. I know just about NOTHING on his stance on the issues. I haven't cared enough about him to read them. I know, I know.....He's better than Bush, I agree, but the passion I had for Wes Clark just isn't there for Kerry.

I AM involved with signing every petition I feel is worthy. I have about 20 books written by Democrats (some unread as of right now) I call my Senators and Reps when Moveon.org emails me. I do what I can. I WILL be involved in the Kerry campaign....when I CAN be. ;)

on edit...I wanted to say that I did work the phone banks for Carol Mosely Braun when she ran for the Senate...and won. I never worked in politics before or since until the idiot-in-chief stole the 2000 election.

[Radical Activist]

8. full-time political professional

I've worked on a few campaigns and for a couple different non-profit groups.
I should be working right now. oops

[graywarrior]

9. Volunt eer manager of democratic office

Put in 3 to 4 days per week. Never got involved before, but the 2000
selection got me motivated.

[Th1onein]

10. My list:

1. I sign petitions

2. I obtain bumper stickers for those who are too busy to obtain them for themselves, or who just don't know how.

3. Every time I go to the grocery store (or any other place) where I have to stand in line, I begin a conversation about how bad this administration is, and how we have to vote them out. It is amazing the kind of collective sign of relief that I get from everyone when I do this, and then how everyone starts joining in about how bad he is.

4. I copy and print selected articles, and put them under windshield wipers of cars, when I go to the grocery store.

5. I enter into "freeper" territory, online, and state the liberal viewpoint. I also enter into independent territory and do the same, online.

6. I INFORM myself as to current events and BOTH sides of the issues, so that I can argue effectively, in public.

7. I participate in voter registration drives.

I consider all of these things little drops in the bucket, compared to what some are doing out there. It isn't much, but it's as much as I can do.